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Elio three-wheeler claims 672 miles on one tank of fuel

April 8, 2013

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Elio Motors thinks its new three-wheeled vehicle will be the next big thing in transportation. Before your eyes roll out of your head, let's look at the claims. Top speed -- more than 100 mph. Zero-60 mph -- less than 10 seconds. Range -- 672 miles.

Those all sound like great numbers, but we've heard that song before. But here's one we haven't heard: The Elio will carry an entry price of just $6,800. At least that's what founder Paul Elio said the two-passenger car will cost when deliveries start in July of 2014.

The front-engined Elio is said to return 84 mpg with its eight-gallon tank, leading to its Detroit-to-New-York range. Elio also said he expects the vehicle to get a five-star crash rating from NHTSA in all directions.

According to Elio, the car will be produced in a plant in Shreveport, La., previously owned by GM. They expect to create 1,500 jobs and make a capital investment of more than $100 million. The plant was purchased from Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust, which was created during GM's bankruptcy to redevelop shuttered GM locations.

The Elio uses a three-cylinder, 1.0-liter engine making 70 hp with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The company will announce its parts suppliers at a press conference in May.

The three-wheeler is considered a motorcycle, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, but Elio wants to know what you see when you look at it.

Most states will not require a motorcycle license to drive it, according to Elio, but check your local laws to be sure.

The Elio rides on an independent suspension with unequal-length control arms. Coil-over springs and shocks sit at each wheel. Ground clearance measures 5.75 inches.

Elio says the vehicle will fit 95 percent of all men comfortably, and that it was designed to fit a 6-foot 1-inch, 220-pound man perfectly. The rear seat folds down to reveal 47 inches of cargo length, which Elio says is enough to fit a golf bag. You'll have to meet the foursome at the links.

The company is offering four levels of reservations -- with clever names -- on its website now.

$100: This is cool, I'm in.

This level entitles you to a $50 bonus, plus a limited edition t-shirt and bumper sticker.

$250: I'm feeling it.

This level yields a $125 deposit discount off of your final price, as well as the aforementioned t-shirt and bumper sticker.

$500: I want it.

This level takes an extra $250 off the final price it includes the swag.

$1000: Gotta have it.

The highest level means you get one of the first cars to roll off the line and an extra $500 off at purchase. It didn't mention the swag, but we assume it's also included.

All levels include updates and a periodic newsletter on Elio's progress.

The Elio could just be vaporware, never to be seen again. On the other hand, it could be the next Tesla Motors. We'll check back in with Elio at its May press conference.